Chapter 123

Chapter 123

The butler, looking at Xie’s father approaching him, gave a bitter smile: “Master, I’m telling the truth. Young master Qingfeng has another identity. He is the very Master Xie whom you desperately wanted to meet recently, esteemed by families like the Zhangs.”

With these words, not only Xie’s father but also Xie’s mother suddenly looked up, everyone else in shock. What??

How could it be possible that they were the same person?

But as the butler presented the photo, despite their unwillingness to accept it, the brows and eyes… indeed resembled him, especially Jing Xi, who appeared to be the same person who had always been with young master Qingfeng.

Xie’s father’s face turned ashen. He suddenly remembered his recent attempt to collaborate with Mr. Jing, who not only mocked him but also made him drink excessively, without understanding why he had offended him.

Now, looking at this photo… all his questions suddenly became clear.

***

Xie Qingfeng was not surprised when he received a call from his foster parents, especially after being photographed at Elder Zhang's birthday banquet. Although it was just a side profile, coupled with the local news that had been all over the place in the past few days.

He had become somewhat of a minor sensation, but fortunately, the news died down quickly, and it had been quieter these last two days.

However, it seemed that Xie’s father had found out, so it was only a matter of time before they would be approached.

As Xie Qingfeng and Jing Xi drove over, Jing Xi couldn't help but laugh bitterly, “He really has the nerve to come to us. He doesn’t think you’ll help him, does he?”

The Xie family was on the brink of collapse. Without Xie Qingfeng's intervention, they wouldn't last long, so he didn't bother to kick them while they were down, to avoid desperate retaliation.

Besides, he wanted to enjoy the spectacle a bit longer, amused by the thought of them frantically trying to save their company.

Xie Qingfeng was indifferent: “What happened to his company?”

Jing Xi recounted recent events, including the ones Hao Jixin had laughed about, clicking his tongue, “He must be out of money by now. I heard he even brought Xie Weihuan back from the hospital for home care. To keep things afloat, he’s been selling off his private properties, aside from that villa.”

Xie’s father wouldn’t have reached such a state unless truly desperate, clearly indicating a severe financial crisis.

Jing Xi felt good thinking about their deeds, “He’s so concerned about that so-called Xie Weihuan, his precious fake son. Let him care deeply. When he goes bankrupt and loses everything, Xie Weihuan will be the heaviest burden on him.”

When that time comes, he thought, it would be interesting to see if Xie’s father still found everything worthwhile.

Xie Qingfeng was indifferent to the Xie family, feeling satisfied that their downfall served as retribution for his original self. “Let’s deal with the Xie family tonight and then stay over at the foster parents’,” he suggested, in good spirits.

Jing, with a slight flicker in his eyes, responded, “Actually, it won’t take long to send them off. We could have dinner with your foster parents and still be back by nine.” The distance wasn’t an issue within the same city area.

Xie Qingfeng glanced at Jing amusingly, his eyes conveying amusement. He didn’t utter a word, yet his silence said everything.

It seemed Jing still cared about appearances, especially in front of the foster parents. Xie Qingfeng had merely floated the idea casually, yet Jing was quick to respond.

Jing, unabashedly, chuckled: “It’s Friday, and the Xie family has quite the timing, intruding on our weekly ‘honeymoon’ night.”

He planned to instruct Hao Jixin to further suppress the Xie Corporation, preventing them from disturbing his time with Xie Qingfeng.

Upon their arrival, Mr. and Mrs. Xie sat disdainfully outside the small eatery, accompanied by the butler, evidently looking down on the bustling, cramped space.

The foster parents juggled their work while keeping an eye on the trio outside, puzzled by their sudden insistence on seeing Xie Qingfeng.

Initially reluctant to make the call, the foster parents wondered why the Xies, who had disowned Xie Qingfeng, were now insistent on seeing him, threatening daily visits otherwise.

The foster parents, being simple folks, had no choice but to contact Xie Qingfeng.

As Xie Qingfeng and Jing arrived, the foster parents immediately recognized the car and hastened to greet them.

Seeing Xie Qingfeng and Jing, Mr. Xie and his party also stood up. Mr. Xie recognized Jing, despite the mask and hat, from a recent photo.

Mr. Xie’s expressions shifted, begrudgingly humbled yet unwilling to concede. The tables had turned; the man he once scorned was now the one holding power over him.

Both individuals before him were untouchable, especially realizing that his estranged son was the elusive Xie Da Shi he had been desperately seeking.

Had he known Xie Qingfeng's capabilities, he never would have driven him away. With Xie Qingfeng’s help, reviving his comatose son would have been a breeze. This visit was a dual plea for saving the Xie family and for Xie Qingfeng to heal Xie Weihuan.

In a bid to win favor, Mr. Xie displayed a pleasing smile: “Qingfeng, it's Qingfeng, right? I'm your father.”

Everyone, including the butler, stumbled in shock at the shamelessness of their patriarch.

Xie Qingfeng led the group to a nearby café, securing a private room. Once inside, he got straight to the point: “Speak. What do you want from me?”

Jing sat with arms crossed, his sharp gaze fixed coldly on the three visitors.

It seemed as if any wrong word might result in their immediate ejection.

Mr. Xie, though visibly uncomfortable, forced a smile: “Your mother misses you. She’s been crying at home, regretting how she treated you. We've realized our mistake and want to welcome you back. We’re still a family.”

Mrs. Xie, red-faced with a mix of shame and determination, added softly, eyes full of hope: “Child, after all, you share our blood. We are family.”

Xie Qingfeng responded indifferently: “I have a family, but it's not you. If I recall correctly, we severed ties a long time ago.”

Mr. Xie coughed awkwardly: “But we are your biological parents. Those are just your foster parents. We can compensate them...”

Xie Qingfeng sneered: “Haven’t you heard the saying ‘nurture trumps nature’? Do you really think I don’t know your intentions? If this is all you have to say, there’s no point in continuing this conversation.” He began to rise, but Mr. Xie hastily blocked him, revealing their true purpose.

Expecting anger, Mr. Xie was met with icy calmness from Xie Qingfeng: “Is that all?”

The Xies, taken aback, managed a meek response: “Yes, that’s... everything...”

Xie Qingfeng: “Then my answer is no. I won't return to the Xie family; our relationship is terminated. As for treating Xie Weihuan... he can go to hell.”

Stunned by his calm yet harsh words, Mrs. Xie's eyes welled up: “How can you say that about Weihuan? He is, after all, your...” She struggled to find the right term.

Xie Qingfeng: “So now my words offend? When it's convenient, you come running, but otherwise, he's disposable. Isn’t what I said the truth? If he wasn’t vegetative, he'd be in prison by now.”

The Xies turned ashen, rendered speechless by his unyielding stance.

Xie Qingfeng stood up, his tone icy with warning: “I hope this is our last meeting. If you dare disturb them again, don't assume I’m mild-mannered. I have ways to make your lives a living hell.”

The chilling aura emanating from him instantly drenched the three in cold sweat. They tried to follow him, but Jing blocked their path with a mocking smile, turning to Mr. Xie: “Mr. Xie, Qingfeng may have a bad temper, but mine's even worse. I'm very protective, you know. Your Xie Corporation is barely surviving; are you sure you want me to intervene? Losing both your company and reputation would be a disgrace.”

Mr. Xie recalled the downfall of those who opposed Ming Entertainment in B City, his expression subtly changing.